Q. Is it possible for research teams to partner to deliver a stronger proposal?
A. Yes if they choose to.

Q. What is HSFO’s flexibility in terms of meeting the data collection requirements as described in the RFP as it is challenging to get provincially representative data?
A. The study sample should reflect the socio-economic, culturally diverse, urban as well as rural populations present in Ontario.

Q. How important is it to get the full 1-8 grade range represented?
A. This is important because the data collected will inform policy decisions as well as advocacy initiatives (and may differ from grade to grade). As a result, we feel that representation from entire grade range is important.

Q. To save costs, can we sample grade ranges?
A. Research teams should suggest the most appropriate approach given the guidelines outlined in the RFP.

Q. Is the tight timeline of January 2008 for the final report of the first benchmarking study flexible?
A. We need robust data to inform the HSFO Board by March 2008. We see this presented as a final report but we are willing to discuss the details with the successful research team.

Q. Can the research team share data from other projects in order to not duplicate data gathering? The benefit of this is that there may be an opportunity to use data from other project(s) that could shorten the recruitment process.
A. The issue of data ownership needs to be explored.

Q. What is more important – collecting all the data as outlined in the RFP or gathering as much data possible in a timely fashion?
A. The research team should respond to the RFP in the best way possible.

Q. Define what is meant by extra-curricular as mentioned in the RFP?
A. Outside of the school curriculum in a community or school setting.

Q. Do you want out of school influences on physical activity addressed such as the influence of homework?
A. Yes if the research team feels that it is appropriate.

Q. The follow-up study described in the RFP is unclear. Can you provide more details?
A. If the budget is approved, the second study would take place at an appropriate time in the future as identified by the research team.

Q. If the board approves a follow-up study, do you want to assess change in the same children over time?
A. The expectation is that the same grades and schools will be studied.

Q. Can HSFO clarify the issue of data ownership?
A. An agreement will be made between HSFO and the successful research team at the time of contract signing addressing the use of the data.

Q. Does HSFO allow investigators to be compensated from the grant for their time dedicated to the project?
A. This is not intended to be stipend support but investigators can be compensated for the direct costs of doing the work for the study.

Q. If existing measures, instruments, or protocols are adapted for use in the HSFO prevalence study would these be exempted from the ownership clause stated in the RFP? Does that clause refer only to new instruments that were developed solely for the HSFO study?
A. In order for HSFO to potentially use this data to inform decisions going forward we will need full access to the data used for this study. Ownership would only apply to data developed solely for the HSFO study, unless ownership of measures/instruments or protocols was required to have free and total access to the "HSFO-owned" data.

Q. Is HSFO interested in the possibility of publishing findings from the prevalence study?
A. Yes. However, the ownership of the data and final decisions regarding publication would rest with HSFO.